Chiefs 7-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City solidifies the offensive line and rounds out roster with quality depth
After a productive free agency period, the Kansas City Chiefs don't have any glaring holes in their roster. That means they can take a balanced approach toward the 2025 NFL Draft, addressing offense and defense relatively evenly. In this mock draft, I focused heavily on positions that are uncertain for the Chiefs beyond the 2025 […]
After a productive free agency period, the Kansas City Chiefs don't have any glaring holes in their roster.
That means they can take a balanced approach toward the 2025 NFL Draft, addressing offense and defense relatively evenly. In this mock draft, I focused heavily on positions that are uncertain for the Chiefs beyond the 2025 season. If they are going to remain a dynasty, they must continue to replenish future needs through the draft.
Although most of these players may not be starters as rookies, they will provide quality depth. As the Chiefs experienced in 2024 with multiple injuries to key players, having a well-rounded roster is vital. With that in mind, let's take a look at how this year's draft could shake out for Kansas City.
No. 31: OG Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
A to Z Sports expected draft range: 33-85
I hear you. Offensive guard is arguably the most boring position, and I have him going to the Chiefs in the most exciting round. However, if you're not sold on the pick, I encourage you to take some time to watch Kingsley Suamataia's offensive snaps from last season.
As of now, Suamataia is in the running to start at left guard for K.C. in 2025, and could even currently be the leading candidate. Sure, his struggles last year came at the tackle position, but there's no logic in assuming he'll be dramatically improved by switching to guard.
Enter Zabel, who has experience playing every position along the offensive line during his time at North Dakota State. That versatility is something the Chiefs love in their offensive linemen. Zabel is technically sound and is a fluid athlete. He also plays with a high motor, delivering punishing blows to defenders and finishing them down to the ground.
Zabel would be a natural replacement for Joe Thuney, and keep the interior of K.C.'s O-line as the best in the league. Like Thuney, Zabel could play tackle or even center in the event of a desperate situation. If the Chiefs truly believe in their new left tackle Jaylon Moore, adding Zabel will solidify their starting five O-linemen.
No. 63: RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
A to Z Sports expected draft range: 52-120
The Chiefs have exactly zero running backs under contract beyond the 2025 season. Not only is that a problem for the future, but they also really need a young guy with some juice within the group. Yes, starter Isiah Pacheco is only 26, but he has struggled to stay healthy each of the last two years, and was not himself after returning for the stretch run in 2024.
Other options K.C. has at RB are Kareem Hunt, who will be 30 at the beginning of the regular season, and Elijah Mitchell, who is new to the team and has an extensive injury history. It's time to make a statement at the position, and drafting Judkins would do just that.
There are comparisons to be made between Judkins and a young Kareem Hunt. Similar to when Hunt came out of Toledo in 2017, Judkins runs with an excellent combination of power and balance. He is nearly impossible to take down on first contact, and although he's not necessarily a speedster, he's far from slow.
Another quality that makes Judkins a fit for the Chiefs is his willingness as a pass protector. It is a requirement in coach Andy Reid's offense to be at least adequate in that department, and Judkins is more than that. I believe he could beat out Mitchell as K.C.'s No. 3 RB early on, and even pass Hunt on the depth chart as the No. 2 late in the season. In 2026 and beyond, Judkins could definitely be the Chiefs' new workhorse out of the backfield.
No. 66: DT Alfred Collins, Texas
A to Z Sports expected draft range: 53-123
Defensive tackle is another position where K.C. is extremely thin beyond the 2025 season, with Mike Pennel, Charles Omenihu, and free agent addition Jerry Tillery all on one-year contracts. The Chiefs have to eventually develop someone to pair with star Chris Jones for the future.
Collins could be that guy. In a draft class that is considered deep at DT, he is one of the safer ones to take. Collins played in a whopping 64 games during his time at Texas, and is physically imposing at 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds. His 34 5/8-inch arm length helped him record an impressive seven pass breakups in 2024.
Collins should immediately play well against the run, but may need some time to develop into a consistent pass rusher. With so many veterans in front of him to learn from, he has some time to work in that area. If he shows progression as a rookie, he could start alongside Jones in 2026.
No. 95: S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
A to Z Sports expected draft range: 63-141
While I believe that second-year man Jaden Hicks will do a fine job stepping in for the departed Justin Reid as one of the Chiefs' starting safeties, they could definitely use some depth there. Not only that, but fellow starting safety Bryan Cook is entering the last year of his contract.
Winston has it all from a physical standpoint. He is a sure tackler who possesses great closing speed and coverage traits. However, his footwork and play recognition need work, which can largely be attributed to his lack of experience. A torn ACL cost him the final 13 games of Penn State's 2024 season.
The Chiefs can bring Winston along gradually in 2025, using him as a situational defender and special teams contributor, just as they did with Hicks last year. After a year of being coached up, Winston could take over for Cook as a starter if Cook isn't retained.
No. 133: TE Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech
A to Z Sports expected draft range: 66-145
The Chiefs are likely going to have to face life without Travis Kelce in 2026, and need to be prepared for it. And while I like Noah Gray, he's perfect for the No. 2 TE and special teams ace role that he currently has. Taking a mid-round flyer on an athletic player like Conyers is a worthy move.
Conyers ranked third among all TEs in the athleticism score at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. He has the speed to create separation from linebackers, and the size to overpower defensive backs at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds. Conyers is also lethal after the catch.
He'll need coached up as a blocker, both against the run and pass. His route running could use some more polish as he relies a little too much on his athleticism at times. Those issues are very coachable, and Conyers would have the added advantage of learning from one of the best TEs of all-time.
No. 226: EDGE Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State
The Chiefs have met with a ton of edge rushers during the offseason, so I have to think they'll at least take a late-round swing on one. You can never have too many pass rushers, and Hassanein has upside, even if he is pretty raw. Hassanein is the first ever player from Egypt to play in the FBS.
He was very productive for Boise State, recording 101 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery during his final two years. Hassanein could push for a practice squad spot as a rookie and has the traits to develop into a main roster player down the line.
No. 251: CB Melvin Smith Jr., Southern Arkansas
The Chiefs' entire cornerback group, outside of free agent addition Kristian Fulton, is currently slated to hit free agency in 2026. While it seems likely that star Trent McDuffie will eventually receive a contract extension, K.C. still needs some bodies at the position moving forward.
The Chiefs hosted Smith on a top 30 visit just last week. He has blazing 4.3 40-yard dash speed and specializes in the slot. Smith could put his name on the map as a kick returner, as he recorded 25 career kick returns for 532 yards at Southern Arkansas, including a 99-yard kick return touchdown in 2024.
No. 257: WR Isaiah Neyor, Nebraska
Many will have the Chiefs taking a wide receiver well before the seventh round, and while they might, they are in fine shape for now with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as their top two. Neyor is a different type of WR than K.C. normally utilizes, standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing a 133-inch broad jump.
Neyor also ran a 4.41 40-yard dash during the combine, landing him in the 98th percentile of our A to Z Sports Athletic Composite score. Chiefs WR coach Conner Embree attended Nebraska's Pro Day, and Neyor was the only WR that participated in drills. Neyor could certainly be an interesting project player for K.C. over the next couple of years.
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